Portland is the best base in Maine for day trips. Beaches, lighthouses, outlet shopping and working harbor towns are all within a couple of hours, and you can be back in the city for dinner. The drive times below are approximate, from downtown Portland, and summer weekend traffic on Route 1 and I-295 can add a lot.
Quick Answer: Best Day Trips by Drive Time
- Under 30 minutes: Cape Elizabeth lighthouses, Old Orchard Beach, Freeport, Peaks Island
- 30 to 60 minutes: Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells, York, Brunswick, Bath, Popham Beach
- About 90 minutes: Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, Camden
Under 30 Minutes
Cape Elizabeth Lighthouses
The closest and easiest half-day. Portland Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, and the coast around it is good for a walk. For other lighthouses worth the drive, see our guide to the best lighthouses in Maine.
Old Orchard Beach
A long sand beach with a pier, arcade and amusement park, which makes it the easiest beach day with kids. Our Old Orchard Beach guide covers the sand, crowds and what to expect.
Freeport
Shopping is the draw, starting with L.L.Bean’s flagship store, but there is also good coastline nearby. See things to do in Freeport and the L.L.Bean guide.
Peaks Island
You reach it by ferry from downtown Portland, so it feels like a real escape without a long trip. Rent a bike and ride the loop around the island.
30 to 60 Minutes
Kennebunkport and Kennebunk
Dock Square, galleries, seafood and the beaches of Kennebunk make this the classic southern Maine day. Start with things to do in Kennebunkport and the Kennebunk beaches guide.
Ogunquit and Wells
Ogunquit has a three-mile beach and the Marginal Way cliff walk. Wells is quieter, with wide beaches and more room to spread out. See things to do in Ogunquit, the Ogunquit Beach guide and the Wells Beach guide. Not sure which fits you? Wells versus Ogunquit compares them.
York
York pairs a beach with Nubble Light, one of the most recognizable lighthouses in Maine. It is the farthest of the southern towns and the easiest to combine with a stop across the river in Kittery.
Brunswick, Bath and Popham Beach
Head north for a different feel: college-town Brunswick, shipbuilding history in Bath, then a beach day at Popham Beach State Park. The beach is large, so it works for people who dislike packed sand.
About 90 Minutes
These are long days, but they are the trips that show you midcoast Maine. Leave early and plan on one town.
- Boothbay Harbor: boat tours, a walkable waterfront and seafood. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is farther down the peninsulas.
- Rockland: the Farnsworth museum, a working harbor and good restaurants.
- Camden: the harbor, Camden Hills and windjammers. It is the farthest I would drive for a single day.
Is Acadia a Day Trip from Portland?
Technically yes, but not a good one. Acadia National Park is roughly three hours each way, which leaves little time for the park. Stay at least one night. If you only have a day, pick a closer trip from the list above.
Which Day Trip Is Right for You?
- Traveling with kids: Old Orchard Beach or Ogunquit. See Portland with kids and Ogunquit with kids.
- Quiet beach: Wells or Popham Beach
- Lighthouses: Cape Elizabeth first, then York or Pemaquid Point
- Shopping: Freeport
- Harbor-town atmosphere: Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor or Camden
Planning your time in the city itself? See things to do in Portland. If you are thinking about a longer stay, Portland versus Kennebunkport shows how the two compare.